What seemed nearly impossible a year ago has today come true. A mountain has gone into the sea. A bit of the kingdom has come. Faith and hope have carried the day.
This afternoon, InterVarsity Press informed me of their intention to publish my first book (tentatively titled, Losing God—A Journey through Depression and Doubt). It will likely take days before I know exactly what I’m feeling, but I know something wonderful has happened.
January 1, 2006, I hiked the Andy Lane Trail to Tinker Cliffs and had a conversation with God along the way. That day I decided two things: I was not going to be a pastor, and I was finally going to write that book I’d been thinking about for years. By April I was ordained, and by May I had finished the rough draft of the book. (One out of two ain’t bad.)
Every day since that hike with God has been an adventure of faith. I have been challenged by the words of Jesus in Mark 11,
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours ”
Countless times in the last year I have made this passage my prayer. Today, the faith has become sight. Today, I celebrate the simple, beautiful truth that when God’s kids ask for gifts which are truly good, and for the good of the Kingdom, Jesus loves to say, “Yes!”
Perhaps later, once I’ve collected my thoughts, I’ll remember all the people who have believed with me over the last year and have offered their help toward the fulfillment of this dream. For now, a partial list:
Jim Pace, Chris Backert, Laura Hannum, Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Greg Daniel, Don Pape, Dave Zimmerman
If I failed to mention your name, throw a rock at me the next time you see me. And for all who offered even a single prayer for this book, thank you.
More later.
Matt Rogers
[nlcf] pastor
Matt,
This is great. Congratulations.
Chez